One of the greatest and most rewarding aspects of what we do as photographers is getting to know those with whom we work on a very distinct level that is not always seen by others. As photographers who primarily walk the path between art and documentary we get to know our subjects on a plane that not many people do. Our clients invite us in to see their world the way that they do, but at the same time we come from our own creative perspective to look with our own eyes... "eyes" meaning our unique perspective behind the camera, taking into account elements like camera angle, focal length, depth of field, lighting choices, etc. It's a unique interaction with people, it's an intimate look into relationships, It's fascinating, it's creatively inspiring, and it's one of the things that keeps us coming back to this medium of expression each and every day.

One thing that makes that glimpse into the personal lives of our subjects even more profound is when they decide to shoot at a location that is very special to them. And where can you go that's more intimate than your own home? The home is where real life unfolds in a very real way. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the desire to shoot at a location that is visually captivating, whether it be an urban environment, a park, or somewhere in rural nowheresville. We shoot on location a lot, and there are many things that we really enjoy about that too... shoot, for one, it's typically much easier, photographically speaking. But the intimacy of the family dynamic in the safety and comfort of the home, and the relaxed interactions that come along with that are hard to match elsewhere.

So... all of that being said, I'm really glad that Monica and Patrick chose to shoot with their 2 boys, and their dog, at their own home. We, and they, were very happy with how the images turned out and with the story that they tell as a whole.

I had a blast shooting Monica and Patrick and their kiddos! They are such a sweet family, and their love for each other was bouncing off of the walls! We got to shoot Monica and Patrick's wedding a while back and it was so fun getting to come back and documenting their growth as a family!

Katherine and I shoot mostly weddings these days, but every once in a while we get to take a brief hiatus from the creative space of wedding photography and focus on the smaller, and often times even more intimate, setting of a family photo session. I love these sessions! It's an entirely different approach to the creative side of image making; it's generally a much more relaxed environment; and you get to see the dynamics of one of the highest forms of love, that which exists between a parent and a child, play out right before your eyes. It's refreshing and it's inspiring. The Wiedenmeyers have been friends of ours for a long time, and it was a pleasure to take part in the celebration of their sweet little girl's first (or second, depending on when you start counting) birthday!

I had a great time shooting Corinn and Jake and their baby-to-be. These are two people that are clearly excited about their not-so-distant future of becoming parents. We roamed the countryside where I grew up in Spring Hill, KS to get these shots, and it turned out to be a beautiful night! Neville, their dog, is the most photogenic animal I have ever seen and he brought an added element of fun to the shoot. Thanks, Corinn and Jake, I had a great time hanging with you guys!

Two of the coolest people on earth... well, officially three as of 6/22/12. Abby and Jon have not only given us a place to lay our heads at night while we look for a place in San Diego, but they are two of our very best friends. It was an absolute blast to tromp around with them on the hillsides of Encinitas while I watched their eyes twinkle in expectation of their first baby... that also could have been remnants from the wine tasting that Jon and I participated in less than an hour before the shoot :)

I must say, it pains me to look through these photos as I post them. These were taken last September of my brother and his family. My brother, Matt, died of a sudden, massive stroke at the age of 35 just 2 months ago. It is a gift to have been his brother for 33 years… not long enough! He was a true friend, an amazing father, a great husband. I miss him dearly, as does his family. I am continually inspired by the way these photos bring him to life every time I look at them. Matt, I love you… and I will always miss you.